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ABB Uncovers $100 Million Korean Fraud as Suspect Goes Missing

ABB Ltd. said it has uncovered a “sophisticated” case of fraud at a subsidiary in South Korea that will cut last year’s results by an estimated $100 million.

The local treasurer, who went missing Feb. 7, is suspected of forging documents and colluding with third parties leading to embezzlement and a misappropriation of funds, the Zurich-based company said.

The latest fraud case adds to the pressure on CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer, with ABB already conceding ground to its activist investor Cevian Capital by offering them a seat on the board at the forthcoming annual general meeting.

ABB earlier this month already said it’s being investigated by the U.K. Serious Fraud Office after the discovery of improper payments related to the subject of another criminal probe.

“While this is unfortunate, we do not expect any major lasting impact,” Vontobel analyst Panagiotis Spiliopoulos wrote in a note to clients.

“ABB has a proven stringent cost discipline and strong management commitment to further unlock value.”